Garry Kane, 40, is alleged to have attacked Kathleen Milward at her home.

The jury of eight men and seven women at the High Court in Dumbarton heard a joint minute of facts agreed by the Crown and defence.

As part of that, advocate depute Jennifer Bain, prosecuting, told them: “A post-mortem examination on March 20 found that the cause of death was head and neck injuries and ischaemic heart disease.”

It is claimed Kane, 40, hit Mrs Milward on the head with a blunt implement, applied pressure to her neck by means unknown and murdered her on January 3, 2012.

He is also accused of stealing money from her house in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire. Kane faces a separate allegation that he behaved in a threatening and abusive manner towards his gran between December 24, 2011, and January 3.

He is further accused of possessing heroin at several locations in Lanarkshire and three theft charges.

Kane denies all the charges. The trial, before judge Lord Matthews, is expected to last 10 days.